"Groundbreaking theatre project" at HMP Perth

BESIDE ME was a six month drama project in HMP Perth bringing together dads and their children. They worked together every Friday afternoon exploring theatre skills and building their connection through creativity.

After transforming a space within the prison into a working theatre, a special performance of song, dance and stand-up was shared with an audience of family and the wider community last month.

The project was delivered by Dundee Rep Theatre with support of the Scottish Prison Service and Families Outside. It aimed to strengthen the family bonds that are challenged by a prison sentence and provide a space for dads and their children to create positive memories together.

Director Jess Thorpe said “The kids haven’t done anything wrong, they need to deal with the absence of their parents and how that feels. It’s called a silent sentence. This project tries to mitigate some of that stress and give them the meaningful connection and memories that families need.”

One participant said ““Breaking someone’s spirit in prison will only lead to a worse outcome when they get out. This can help people see there’s more to life than crime. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done with my son.”

Journalist and broadcaster Paul English was invited to see the project in action and shared the story in the Big Issue last week. Read it below.